A Posthumous Brittany Maynard Video Has Been Released in Support of "Death With Dignity"

Although she passed away last year, "death with dignity" advocate Brittany Maynard's cause lives on with a new video her family released this week. The terminally ill 29-year-old chose "death with dignity" when she ended her own life in November, after having to move to a state where it was legal to do so. In this video for Compassion & Choices that she recorded weeks before her passing, she urges lawmakers in her home state of California and beyond to pass "death with dignity" legislation. She says, "Unfortunately, California law prevented me from getting the end of life option I deserved. No one should have to leave their home and community for peace of mind, to escape suffering, and to plan for a gentle death."

The video was shown just ahead of the first state Senate committee hearing on a bill that authorizes physician-assisted suicide. Lawmakers gave it its first approval.

In closing, Brittany finishes the video by saying, "Every one of us will die. We should not have to suffer excruciating pain, shame, or a prolonged dying process. The laws in California and 45 other states must change to prevent prolonged, involuntary suffering for all terminally ill Americans."